Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

Again, all we get is rhetoric. The Australian government is going to argue its case for a price on carbon in this parliament. We are arguing our case and seek to get legislation passed. And all of those opposite have a duty to deal with that in a serious manner.

We also have to argue our case out in the Australian community, and that is what we are doing. It is difficult because people are being encouraged to be fearful; people are being encouraged to believe untruths. People are made to be concerned as a result of a lowbrow fear campaign. But I have no doubt that at the end of the debate the Australian people will appreciate the need for this fundamental change in the way we organise our economy. They will understand that a response to climate change has to occur and that a price on carbon is the best way to drive that change, and I am sure they will come to understand that the Liberal Party has nothing to offer.